Leicester City have reportedly rejected a £40 million bid from Newcastle United for English playmaker James Maddison.
According to Daily Telegraph, Newcastle United have lodged a surprise £40 million bid to secure the services of Leicester City playmaker James Maddison. The Foxes, though, have instantly knocked back the offer and are instead keen on offering their prized asset an improved deal to persuade him to extend his stay at the King Power Stadium.
Newcastle United are now deciding whether to go back with a higher bid for the English international, with Leicester believed to be demanding a sizable proposal closer to £60 million to rethink their stance on perhaps their most prized asset.
The Magpies have endured a frustrating transfer window despite spending in excess of £50 million on new additions. That is because, despite chasing a host of forwards and playmakers throughout the summer, Newcastle United have yet to add more attacking firepower so far. And with the new season on the horizon, the Toon chiefs are eager to splash the cash to address this issue by targeting James Maddison.
The 25-year-old was in the best form of his career last season after recovering from a dip in confidence at the start of the campaign. But his exploits went slightly under the radar, perhaps overshadowed by Leicester City’s below-par campaign overall.
The England international scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists for the former Premier League champions across all competitions. He was not only the driving force behind Leicester’s late redemption surge into the Premier League’s top half but also a key piece in their run to the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals.
Maddison’s stellar performances for Leicester City resulted in him being named the club’s Player of the Year as voted for by the Foxes’ faithful. His immediate future with Leicester, though, has been thrown into doubt. There were some rumblings of interest from Tottenham.
But it is Newcastle United who have made a ground-breaking offer, with Leicester rejecting a £40 million bid from their Premier League rivals for the playmaker this week. However, the Foxes are set to offer the player a new deal, with his current contract expiring in less than two years.
The East Midlands outfit are the only Premier League club yet to make a single signing this summer. And it has been widely reported that they are in such a dire financial situation that they must sell before entering the market.
Youri Tielemans has been expected to leave for Arsenal for a while now. But with that one seemingly stuck in the pipeline, Leicester are receiving increased interest over the availability of other valuable assets. Maddison, for one, would be a fantastic signing for Newcastle United, not just at present but for many years to come.
The 25-year-old playmaker is already an established Premier League star and still has his peak years ahead of him. If the Magpies return with an improved bid, they are likely to smash their club-record. But it remains to be seen whether they would want to do so.